5 Hit Songs from the 2010s That Are Perfect for Your Road Trip Playlist
e way to visit Tokyo’s curated art islands or to explore the colorful street art in Bogota, Colombia. This hypnotic banger might be just what you need to fuel your artistic exploration and get in touch with your creative side.
Troye Sivan — Dance To This ft. Ariana Grande
Troye Sivan, who hails from South Africa and Australia, is a multi-talented musician, actor, and YouTube personality known for his emotive vocals and poignant songwriting. In 2018, he collaborated with pop sensation Ariana Grande on the single “Dance To This,” which served as the fourth track of his sophomore album, “Bloom.”
The catchy tune, with its lilting beat and dreamy synth-pop production, is an invitation to simply let loose and dance, even when you’re seemingly bogged down by the world around you. The playful, intimate duet between Grande and Sivan contains lines like Grande’s “I don’t want to sleep tonight / I just want to take that ride” and Sivan’s “Under the kitchen lights, you still look like dynamite.” Unfortunately, the song didn’t make much of a splash in the music industry, as it didn’t chart on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, nor did it reach international acclaim.
The music video for “Dance To This,” with its casual house party vibes and cozy, intimate setting, paired perfectly with the song’s chill, laid-back vibe. Music publication NME describes it as “a brilliant indie-pop duet that sees the vocalists trade sweet nothings breathlessly.” Play this soulful bop whenever you’re on your way to Old Hollywood’s hidden gems, the secret speakeasies of New York City, or the eclectic street performances in London’s Camden Town. Wherever you are, this song will transport you to a feeling of adolescent innocence and carefree living.
Galantis — Peanut Butter Jelly
Swedish electronic music duo Galantis repurposed a 1974 track by Wolfgang Gartner for their hit single “Peanut Butter Jelly,” released in May 2015. Comprised of Christians Karlsson and Linus Eklöw, Galantis is known for producing chart-topping EDM hits that encompass bright, poppy melodies and irresistible dance beats. “Peanut Butter Jelly” is a testament to their musical ingenuity, sampling the “Here Comes That Sound Again” by Love De-Luxe on the 2015 tune.
Although the song maintained popularity in Europe, particularly in the UK and Austria, it didn’t reach the same heights in the U.S., peaking only at No. 13 on the U.S. Dance/Mix Show Airplay chart. The track’s real strength lies in its infectious energy, with an up-tempo, funky vibe that urges you to get up and move. Its disco-fueled chorus and bright, playful video featuring a dance battle in a supermarket make it an instant mood lifter. In fact, DJ Mag hailed the song as “a Tom Jones sample is the best thing to happen to the duo since ‘Runaway (U & I).'”
This electrifying jam is perfect for those drives through Eastern Europe’s fairytale landscapes or on your way to explore the underground music scene in Berlin. Pop in your earbuds, let the beats take you away, and dance like no one’s watching, whether you’re in the City of Love, Paris, or the vibrant streets of Rio de Janeiro. Let the energy of this track inject some excitement and playfulness into your adventures, no matter where they may lead.